SR20 California legality question

[ZenkiNinja]

Just confirming a story my friend told me about his SR.

He was once pulled over and the cop made him pull his hood. Of course he saw the SR and all the other crap in there. He fined my friend and told him to get it fixed. He didnt take the car away right then and there. Well, my friend really had 2 choices, fix it and take it to some inspector. or pay another additional fine in full. He paid the fine, and i guess it was as if he didnt get pulled over for it cause he got off scott-free. no cops hassled him. anyways he told me as long as they don't catch you racing the car, and doing something very reckless, they can't take away your car, just fine you. I'm not entirly sure this is true, can you guys input?

if this is the case then im way more comfy getting that SR swap..